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Cell division and cancer

Ionising radiation

Invisible radiation that is produced by radioactive materials

Radiation: cause and cure

There are many different types of radiation. Exposure to ultraviolet, alpha, beta and gamma radiation can cause cancer. Ionising radiation can damage chromosomes and cause mutations that may trigger a tumour to develop. High doses of x-rays should be avoided but they are used to treat cancers because they can also kill tumour cells.

Alpha particles do not travel very far in air and are easily absorbed. If the source is outside the body, they are not likely to cause damage. The alpha particles will quickly be absorbed by clothing. However, if the source giving out the alpha particles gets inside the body it is very dangerous. The alpha particles are absorbed by the surrounding tissue and this can cause a lot of damage which may promote cancers.